7 Hidden Perks You Can Just Ask for on a Flight

A video revealing hidden airplane perks that most passengers don't know about has gone viral on YouTube. The video titled "Airplane Secrets: Hidden Perks You Can Request" was shared by former flight attendant Jeenie Kwon (@jeenie.weenie), a 41-year-old YouTuber based in Vancouver, Canada. A note overlaid on the video, which has amassed over 18.8 million views since it was posted on October 6 last year, reads "7 things you didn't know you could ask for on your flight." Kwon worked as a flight attendant for Emirates for three years and lived in Dubai during that period, she told Newsweek. Employment for flight attendants is projected to grow 10 percent from 2023 to 2033, significantly outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Flight attendants also continue to be highly ranked among the best jobs in the U.S. In the latest 2025 "100 Best Jobs" report from U.S. News & World, the profession ranked 45th overall, fourth among the highest-paying jobs without a degree and fifth among both the best civil service jobs and best jobs without a college degree.

Things You Didn't Know You Could Ask for on a Flight

Kwon told Newsweek: "Based on my time working as well as comments from my video, most people don't know about these perks."

Seat Belt Extender

"If your seat belt is a little snug, we have seat belt extenders that we can give to you—just need to ask," Kwon explains in the video.

Full Drink Can

Rather than receiving a small portion of a beverage in a plastic cup, Kwon notes that passengers can ask for the full can during drink service. "Maybe just ask for it and maybe they'll give it to you," she says.

An Extra Meal

Still feeling hungry after the meal service? Kwon says that if there are leftover meals, passengers can request a second one. "After the meal service is done, you can ask for another meal if you're still hungry," she explains. "Whatever's left, we're going to throw it out anyways."

First Aid

"If you have a headache or feel nauseous or maybe you're bleeding, we might have something for you—so just ask," Kwon says. She points out that all commercial aircraft are equipped with first aid kits and flight attendants may have medication or bandages available.

A Photo in the Cockpit

For aviation enthusiasts or first-time flyers, Kwon reveals that after landing, passengers may be allowed to take a photo inside the cockpit. "If the pilot is still there, you can maybe ask for a photo with them too," she says.

Wing Pins

Kwon shares that passengers, particularly children, can request wing pins—a fun souvenir that many airlines still offer.

Trading Cards

"Some airlines also have plane trading cards," Kwon adds. "Just ask your flight attendant—you never know."

Unexpected Passenger Requests

While many of these perks are useful, Kwon has also encountered some bizarre passenger requests during her career. Among some of the "fun requests" she recalls getting include "asking for food items like we were in a restaurant—people think we have a kitchen," Kwon told Newsweek. She also remembers some passengers asking to "open the windows because it's stuffy/smelly" and even requesting to "turn off the engines because it's too loud." Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.